Mental evaluation ordered for man charged in infant's death

Friday

Jun 13, 2014 at 2:36 PMJun 13, 2014 at 2:36 PM

By Don Reiddwreid@aol.comCOLDWATER — Steve Shaw will be sent to a state forensic hospital for a mental evaluation at the request of defense attorney Eric Goodwin.Shaw, 41, is charged with open murder after life support apparatus was removed from 7-month-old Carson Emanuel Burm on May 30. Doctors said the baby was likely shaken and that his head looked to have been struck against a hard object.Because the felony charge against Shaw carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, Goodwin said he wished for an examination as a proactive measure to avoid the possible delay of a preliminary examination.District Judge Brent Weigle issued the order for the examination with no opposition from the prosecutor.Shaw was babysitting for Carson Burm, his fiancee Laura Kidney's son, on May 29, court records said. Just after 1 p.m. that day, Shaw called for medical first responders because the baby was unconscious.The infant was flown to a Kalamazoo hospital for treatment, but he never regained consciousness.Almost a dozen members of the child’s family were in court Thursday. Because of threats against Shaw, Branch County Sheriff's Office deputies transported the suspect to court Thursday wearing a bullet-proof vest. Courthouse hallways were cleared while Shaw was moved from jail to court and back.The evaluation results are expected to be received in no more than 60 days.